Whether you’re dreaming up winter snowflakes, coastal-themed treats, baby shower sets, or soft spring florals, blue brings calm, charm, and a little magic to your designs.

While naturally derived blues can behave differently in royal icing, often leaning green or fading as they develop. The good news? With the right base and a little patience, you can create four stunning natural blue shades using Chefmaster Natural Food Coloring — from airy pastel skies to neutral periwinkle.

Building Your Royal Icing Base

Natural blues are sensitive to acidity, dairy, and even the type of vanilla used. To keep each shade true and consistent, begin with a neutral royal icing base:

• Use clear or colorless extracts (such as clear vanilla) whenever possible
• Keep your icing at stiff consistency
• Add color gradually and allow time for development

For best results, we recommend using Chefmaster Royal Icing Mix or the scratch recipe below.

Ingredients:

2 Lbs. Powdered Sugar 


3/4 Cup Warm Water 


5 Tbsp. Chefmaster Deluxe Meringue Powder 


1 Tbsp. Clear Vanilla Extract (you can also use regular)


2 Tbsp. Corn Syrup 


1/4 tsp. Cream of Tartar


Preparation:

1.     In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk together your meringue powder and warm water on medium speed (speed 4 on a KitchenAid) until it resembles a frothy foam.

2.     Once foamed/bubbly add your cream of tartar and vanilla until combined.

a.     Tip: if planning on only making blue icing, you may add 2-3 drops of Chefmaster Natural True Blue liqua-gel© food coloring at this time to make coloring easier.

3.     Gradually add powdered sugar. Begin on low speed, increasing to medium-high (speed 6) until stiff peaks form.

4.     While mixing, pour in the corn syrup and mix another minute to create a smooth, fluffy texture.

5.     The finished icing should hold stiff peaks and not flow — perfect for piping or coloring.

6.     Divide into 4 bowls and prepare for coloring.

Mixing Natural True Blue Shades

Before coloring, remember that natural pigments deepen over time. Allow the icing to rest for at least 12–24 hours for the best, most vibrant shades. Deeper shades of Blue in particular benefit from resting time, as they tend to intensify as they develop and dry.

Food coloring needed:

• Chefmaster Natural True Blue liqua-gel© food coloring
• Chefmaster Natural Violet liqua-gel© food coloring
• Chefmaster Natural Deep Green liqua-gel© food coloring
• Chefmaster Natural Purple liqua-gel© food coloring
  

1.     Natural Frost Blue

      A soft light blue perfect for a touch of color or winter bakes.

• 3 Parts Natural True Blue

2.     Natural Sky Blue

      Bright, fresh, and very versatile shade of blue.

• 5 Parts Natural Red
• 1 Part Natural Violet

3.     Natural Seafoam

      A warm, cozy blue green.

• 6 Parts Natural True Blue
• 4 Parts Natural Deep Green

4.     Natural Periwinkle

      Soft playful blue with touch of violet.

• 8 Parts Natural True Blue
• 4 Parts Natural Purple

Tips for Coloring Royal Icing with Chefmaster Natural Food Colors

To get the most consistent and beautiful results:

• Be Patient with Color Development - Natural blues will deepen as they sit. Mix your icing and let it rest for a few hours (or overnight) before adjusting the color.
• Layer Slowly - Add color gradually to control the final tone. Start lighter than you think you need. It will darken as it sets. 
• Drying Darkens Color - Expect your icing to dry one to two shades deeper than it appears freshly mixed.
• Mix and Match - Don’t be afraid to experiment with ratios — natural colors allow for endless warm and cool undertones!

With a little patience and Chefmaster Natural colors, you can achieve beautifully clean, dreamy blues — all from naturally sourced dyes. Perfect for coastal cookies, winter treats, baby sets, or anything that calls for fresh, calming color.